By Suleman Chitera
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has announced that Malawi will conduct a nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign against bilharzia and intestinal worms from May 18 to 22, 2026, targeting more than 1.1 million people in five districts.
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According to a statement signed by Secretary for Health and Sanitation Dr. Dan Namarika, the exercise will take place in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Dowa, Nsanje and Phalombe districts, where cases of bilharzia and intestinal worms remain common.
The ministry said the campaign will be carried out through both community-based and school-based interventions as part of efforts to eliminate the diseases, which continue to pose serious public health risks if left untreated.
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Dr. Namarika said community health workers will conduct a registration exercise from May 11 to 15 ahead of the drug distribution campaign.
The ministry has also advised people to eat before taking Praziquantel, the medicine used to treat bilharzia, emphasizing that the drug works more effectively when taken after a meal.
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Health officials say the campaign is expected to help reduce infections, improve community health and protect vulnerable groups, especially children who are most at risk of contracting the diseases.
Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is a parasitic disease commonly linked to contaminated water, while intestinal worms are often caused by poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. Both illnesses can lead to serious health complications if not treated early.